Thoroughbred Daily News

With more heavy rain in the forecast for southern California, Del Mar has canceled their Friday race card according to a social media post from the track.

Additionally, Del Mar has carded an extra race day to be held Monday, Nov. 24. The shift will allow the main track additional time to dry while also enabling the use of the turf course on Sunday and Monday.

Friday's cancellation marks the second day in as many weeks as the track also was forced to cancel the Nov. 15 card due to weather.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: Racing is cancelled Friday, November 21 due to forecasted heavy rain.

A raceday will be added Monday, November 24.

— Del Mar Racetrack (@DelMarRacing) November 19, 2025

The post Friday Racing at Del Mar Canceled, Monday Card Added appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Kentucky-based artist Grayson Reynolds has designed both the official Mint Julep Glass and “Art of the Kentucky Derby” for the 152nd running of the GI Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, Churchill Downs announced Wednesday.

This year's glass features three horses racing at different strides surrounded by roses as a nod to the garland draped over all Derby winners. The names of every official Kentucky Derby champion–from Aristides in 1875 to Sovereignty in 2025–wraps around the back of the glass.

Reynolds' official Derby 152 artwork showcases five Thoroughbreds charging from the starting gate beneath the Twin Spires, with red roses bursting from the track to demonstrate the emotion and anticipation of the Run for the Roses.

“We are thrilled to showcase Grayson as the first Art of the Kentucky Derby artist to also dsign the official julep glass–two iconic traditions united by her artistry,” said Megan App, Director of Licensing at Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Her work captures the emotion and excitement of The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”

Reynolds's “Official Art of the Kentucky Derby” will be featured on the 2026 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks official racing programs and a variety of merchandise.

“I'm incredibly honored to be named the first-ever artist to design both the Kentucky Derby art and julep glass,” Reynolds said. “As a native Kentuckian, traditions of the Derby have been part of my story growing up, and I'm excited to share my work with the world.”

Reynolds will be at Churchill Downs Friday, Nov. 28, to sign prints of her artwork. The artist signing will take place in the Churchill Downs Store, located just inside the Paddock Gate, between 2-4 p.m.

The full artwork for the Kentucky Derby mint julep glasses and Art of the Derby prints are available for purchase here.

The post Kentucky Derby 152 Mint Julep Glass And Artwork Revealed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Turf Publicists of America (TPA) will award the 2025 Big Sport of Turfdom award to social media influencer Griffin Johnson, the organization announced Wednesday. The annual award recognizes a person or group who enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists.

Johnson entered horse racing in 2024 through America's Best Racing's “A Stake in Stardom” campaign as a partial owner of Grade I winner Sandman (Tapit) with West Point Thoroughbreds. Johnson is also a part-owner of Grade II winner Ewing (Knicks Go).

As an ambassador of the sport, Johnson has used his social media platforms to promote horse racing and has reached more than 200 million people through videos and content, visiting racetracks and providing backstretch access that has generated more than 35 million views.

“In using his platforms and influence, Griffin Johnson has helped grow horse racing by bringing our sport unprecedented exposure,” said TPA President Najja Thompson. “Our membership selected Johnson for this award in recognition of his role as a tremendous ambassador for horse racing and his consistent openness and availability to the media.”

The Big Sport of Turfdom award will be presented in person to Johnson at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's annual awards luncheon Dec. 9. The luncheon is part of the 2025 Symposium on Racing & Gaming at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz.

“I'm incredibly honored to receive the 2025 Big Sport of Turfdom Award,” said Johnson. “Horse racing has given me a community, a purpose, and a platform to help grow the sport I love. I'm grateful to everyone who's welcomed me into this industry and inspired me to be a small part of its future.”

The Big Sport of Turfdom has been presented annually since 1966. This is the first time Johnson has won the award. Previous winners include jockeys Mike Smith, Pat Day, Chris McCarron, Bill Shoemaker, Angel Cordero Jr., Eddie Arcaro and Gary Stevens; trainers Art Sherman, D. Wayne Lukas and Jack Van Berg; and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport, such as Secretariat's owner, Penny Chenery, a two-time winner; announcer Tom Durkin, author Laura Hillenbrand, broadcaster Jim McKay, Turf writer Joe Hirsch and actors Tim Conway and Jack Klugman.

The post Griffin Johnson Honored With Big Sport Of Turfdom Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

A trio of world-class races at South Africa's Kenilworth Racecourse will anchor a qualifying day for the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships via the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In.

Held Jan. 10, the G1 Cape Flying Championship, a 1,000-meter (5/8 mile) weight for age race, will serve as an automatic qualifier for the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. The race joins the G1 King's Plate, a one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up which provides a free berth to the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile, and the G1 Paddock Stakes, a 1/8-mile race for fillies and mares 3-year-olds & up that is an automatic qualifier for the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees for the winners of the three South African races to start in the respective Breeders' Cup divisions.

“Breeders' Cup Limited is pleased to continue the expansion of our international Breeders' Cup Challenge Series with the addition of the Cape Flying Championship,” said Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer of Breeders' Cup Limited. “We're grateful for the collaborative efforts that brought this partnership to fruition and look forward to welcoming top South African contenders to the World Championships.”

The post Cape Flying Championship Joins Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.